Transition 2001: A Changing Of the Guard

As George W. Bush prepares to move into the White House, the
political landscape both in Washington and around the country is
undergoing a transformation. In this issue, we include a package of
stories covering the latest transition developments affecting
education:

Bush Promises Swift
Action on Education. George W. Bush is pledging a bipartisan
approach to improving the nation's schools, a goal observers from
both major political parties say is feasible, depending on which
aspects of his campaign agenda he seeks to emphasize.

Dean of Education
Governors Departs. James B. Hunt Jr., who will be stepping
down this month after his fourth term as North Carolina's governor,
leaves a legacy of passion and persistence on school policy
issues.

Voucher-Style
Program Offers Clues To Paige's Outlook. Where education
secretary-designate Rod Paige stands on the voucher issue remained
something of a mystery last week. With no answer forthcoming from Mr.
Paige or the Bush-Cheney transition team, the curious were left to
glean what they could.

Bush Successor Seen
Staying the Course. Picking up where George W. Bush left off,
new Texas Governor Rick Perry has labeled education as his "premier"
concern and is expected to support the state's existing school
improvement efforts. Includes "Party Lines," on other
state gubernatorial changes resulting from Bush appointments.

Boehner To Lead
House Education Committee. Rep. John A. Boehner, a Republican
from Ohio once known for his close ties to former Speaker of the
House Newt Gingrich, has been named the new chairman of the House
education committee.

Child Advocates
Appraise HHS Nominee Thompson. As one of the first governors
to tackle welfare reform—several years before the federal
government—Gov. Tommy G. Thompson of Wisconsin has certainly
changed "the way we think about social programs in the United
States," said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, a fellow Republican.

Bush Pick for
Labor Draws Praise and Provokes Worries. President-elect
Bush's selection of Linda Chavez, the president of the
Washington-based Center for Equal Opportunity, to head the Department
of Labor drew kudos and criticism last week from those familiar with
her extensive career in education and government service.

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